MARY Woodcock first began learning the Alexander Technique to help her cope with back problems and seven years later she is still learning.

MARY Woodcock first began learning the Alexander Technique to help her cope with back problems and seven years later she is still learning.

"I knew it was about posture but that was about all," says Mary of Sutton Coldfield.

"I went to an introductory session and to begin with thought it was very strange but after a few lessons I could see how it was working.

"My main objective is to be able to keep standing up straight. The Alexander Technique cannot cure the problem, but it does help me to keep standing straight."

A former dancer and yoga teacher, Mary, who is married to retired pattern-maker Alan, knows all about the importance of the body's impact on the mind.

"I began to see that it is more than how you stand. It also helps you respond to certain problems and complex situations. One of the things it teaches you is how to hold the wheel when you are driving. So many people hold it really tightly and it just isn't necessary."